Jeff Mauro's Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Parmesan
Jeff Mauro's Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Parmesan is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $12.20 total, $3.05 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless; butterflied and pounded to about ½‑inch thickness)
- 1 tsp Salt (for seasoning chicken)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour (for dredging)
- 2 large Egg (beaten)
- 1 cup Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs (store‑bought or homemade with Italian herbs)
- ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated; mixed into breadcrumbs and used as topping)
- ½ cup Low‑Moisture Whole Milk Mozzarella (shredded; melts beautifully)
- ¼ cup Olive Oil (for frying; medium‑high heat)
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce (store‑bought or homemade; warmed before topping)
Instructions
Butterfly and Pound Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and slice horizontally to create two thin cutlets. Cover with another sheet of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until about ½‑inch thick and even.
Time: PT5M
Season Chicken
Season both sides of the pounded chicken with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Dredging Stations
Set up three shallow dishes: (1) flour, (2) beaten eggs, (3) breadcrumbs mixed with ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Time: PT5M
Bread the Chicken
Dredge each cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb‑cheese mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Time: PT5M
Heat Skillet and Fry
Add ¼ cup olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the breaded cutlets 3‑4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium
Keep Cutlets Warm
Transfer fried cutlets to a wire rack set on a baking sheet and place in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you finish the remaining pieces.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 200°F
Assemble with Sauce and Cheese
Spread ½ cup warm marinara sauce over each cutlet, then top with ½ cup shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of extra Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Time: PT3M
Broil to Finish
Set the oven to broil. Place the assembled cutlets on the top rack about 6‑8 inches from the heating element. Broil for 4‑5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Broil
Plate and Serve
Remove from the oven, let rest 2 minutes, then serve hot with extra marinara on the side if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 45 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Contains meat, Not vegetarian, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced pork cutlet, Turkey breast cutlets
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour
- Instead of Egg: 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg, 1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg
- Instead of Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs, Plain breadcrumbs + 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Instead of Parmigiano-Reggiano: Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Low‑Moisture Whole Milk Mozzarella: Part‑skim mozzarella, Provolone
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: Tomato basil sauce, Crushed tomatoes with herbs
Equipment Needed
- Meat Mallet
- Plastic Wrap
- Shallow Dishes
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Wire Rack
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking.
- Frying at the correct oil temperature creates a crisp, non‑soggy crust.
- Broiling must be watched closely to achieve a golden cheese top without burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano; pre‑grated cheese contains anti‑caking agents that affect texture.
- For an extra crispy crust, double‑dip the chicken: flour → egg → breadcrumbs → egg → breadcrumbs.
Troubleshooting
The coating becomes soggy after adding sauce.
Keep the fried cutlets on a wire rack in a low oven (200°F) until ready to broil; this prevents steam from softening the crust.
Chicken is undercooked in the center.
Pound the chicken to an even thickness and ensure the oil is hot before frying; finish cooking under the broiler if needed.
Cheese burns before melting.
Move the rack down a few inches or reduce broiling time; watch the cheese closely.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked, breaded cutlets on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; use within 2 months. Re‑heat from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bread the cutlets and freeze them on a tray before frying; fry directly from frozen for a slightly longer cooking time.
- Marinara sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated before assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Parm in Italian‑American cuisine?
Chicken Parmesan originated from Italian immigrants adapting the classic veal parmigiana to the more affordable chicken available in America. It became a staple of Italian‑American comfort food, often served at family gatherings and Italian restaurants across the United States.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken parmigiana in Italian‑American cuisine?
In the Northeastern U.S., chicken parm is often served on a hoagie roll as a sandwich, while in the Midwest it may be paired with spaghetti. Some regions add provolone or mozzarella blends, and a few families use a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of sweet marinara.
How is Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Parm traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically plated over a bed of spaghetti or alongside garlic‑buttered pasta, with extra marinara on the side. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and a wedge of lemon are common garnishes.
What occasions or celebrations is Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Parm traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Chicken parm is a popular main dish for Sunday family meals, holiday gatherings like Christmas Eve, and casual dinner parties because it is hearty, crowd‑pleasing, and easy to prepare in larger quantities.
What makes Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Parm special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The recipe combines a double‑crisp technique—first frying for flavor and texture, then broiling for a molten cheese top—while incorporating grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano directly into the breadcrumb coating for deeper flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Parm at home?
Common errors include using oil that isn’t hot enough (resulting in soggy crust), over‑cooking the chicken before adding sauce (dry meat), and leaving the cutlets under the broiler too long, which burns the cheese.
Why does this Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Parm recipe fry the cutlets before broiling instead of baking them directly?
Frying creates a golden, crunchy exterior that baking alone cannot achieve. The subsequent broil adds a bubbly cheese layer without sacrificing the crispness, delivering a restaurant‑quality texture.
Can I make Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Parm ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Bread the cutlets and freeze them raw, or fry and keep them in a 200°F oven for up to 2 hours before broiling. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat under the broiler to restore crispness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Parm is done?
The crust should be golden‑brown and firm to the touch, the cheese on top should be melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and the interior chicken should be opaque and reach 165°F (74°C) without being dry.
What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food Network showcases a wide range of cooking shows, chef demonstrations, and recipe tutorials covering various cuisines, techniques, and home‑cooking tips for both beginners and experienced cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Food Network's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Food Network often pairs professional chef expertise with accessible home‑cooking instructions, emphasizing clear visual steps, ingredient sourcing tips, and variations that suit American kitchens, whereas many niche channels focus on traditional or regional authenticity alone.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
